All shaft seals started to leak
 

Hello everyone,

When I purchased my A8 D2 2002 3.7 sport 2.5 years ago the gearbox was 100% dry. No leaks at all. I changed gearbox oil at Reading Audi as soon as I purchased car and everything was dry for at least another couple of years.

Yesterday I got under car and what I surprise: 4 leaks! All three output shaft seals + input shaft seal (not sure if it is engine or gearbox though).

All 4 seals -- is this coincidence? Is this a sign of major failure? Car drives tip top. Well, gear changes are not 100% smooth, so yes we have some small sings of age, but I think it is not abnormal.

I have long term relationship with this car, so what would you recommend? I understand I'm looking at gearbox out job and that means exhaust out too. Because gearbox is out will it be wise to completely overhaul it? Or should I just relax and keep on killing the gearbox until it fails completely and then start some planning :)

Should I have an appointment with a ZF gearbox specialist to take a look at leaks, test drive the car and advise?

Your comments are very welcome.

If its any consoloation I did the rear seal on mine plus one of the side seals Sergey. At the end of the day you have to balance the cost of doing the seals vs the current mileage/life of the gearbox. Mine failed at 118000 miles and I felt that a new VAG exchange box from TPS was the way to go based on the fact that everything is new in it and that I could service it [properly / change the oil every 20,000-25,000 miles from the start to keep it in better health.

Worth seeing what the expert says but remember that he wants your business!

Good luck +++

Thank Neil. In terms of talking to expert should I go to Mike Nash (nmvservices.co.uk) or to someone who works with ZF boxes only?

Mike could do the change ok for you or the seals if you want to fix them but if you need a specific ZF specialist to diagnose then I would go to one of the specialists already mentioned on the forum for an expert opinion first. I will have a look for the local ones to you when I get home

Question is how big the leaks are. Is it just moist or do you have oil drops forming?

If it is just slight moisture it could be years until it starts really leaking. Output seals are from transfer box and diff so not directly linked to how gearbox is behaving. I did replace rear output seal this year. Front seals are a bit moist but I am not going to bother about them until they start really leaking.

What he said. Moist will be OK for a long time. May be worth a level check but the Computer should tell you anyway....

>> Is it just moist or do you have oil drops forming?

No oils drops forming yet. Just moist.

Thanks for your replies guys.